Friday, Feb 20th 

Today we begin a new weekly series called “Newsworthy Notizie,” a roundup of happenings that the Italophile will find interesting! Check back every Friday for more news from and about Italy or subscribe to Dolce Vita and have it delivered directly to your inbox.

The news is in!  So pour yourself a nice cup of espresso (if you are in frigid DC), or a beautiful glass of wine (if life finds you in warmer climates). Take a peek at the Italian News we’re chatting about at Via Umbria!

To give you the bad news first, the famous Mr. Nutella died this week. What was created to help keep chocolate accessible during wartime rations is now a cult favorite. But don’t worry, the Nutella empire lives on.

In lighter Nutella news, a man was arrested for smuggling 150k in two jars of the hazelnut spread!

Nancy Pelosi hosted the debut of the national television premiere of The Italian Americans, at George Washington University this past week.This public television documentary series is produced and written by John Maggio, and chronicles the experiences of those who took the boot from the boot and established lives in America. The next screening will be February 24 at 9pm on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD.

Italy calls for military action in Libya and takes in fleeing refugees, after the video of beheadings from ISIS earlier in the week.

The World’s Largest Truffle sold at Sotheby’s for $61,000 in December, but we are just stiffing out this news now. It is from our very own region of Umbria. Not quite in your price range? We have an amazing selection of Umbrian truffle products on our website and right here in Georgetown, that will set you back $20 or less.

Did we miss something? Send your Italian news to elsa@viaumbria.com to get a shout out next week on Friday! Happy weekend!

— Via Umbria